There’s been a major shift in automobiles lately: the rise of the Electric Vehicle (EV). In just the last 10-15 years, EVs have evolved from being a fascinating new technology to being THE car technology of the future. Adoption is rising steadily every year, and governments around the world are increasingly pushing EVs as well.
If you’re considering an EV for yourself, there’s a lot to consider. However, one key thing to keep in mind is that you’ll probably need to install some kind of charger in your home. In turn, this may require hiring an EV charger installation electrician to do the work. So, let’s discuss your charging options at home.
Charging Your EV At Home: Level 1 vs Level 2
One of the biggest benefits to owning an Electric Vehicle is that it can be recharged at home. You may never visit a gas station again, even for charging. There are two basic charging levels offered by EV charger installation electricians for recharging your EV at home: Level 1 and Level 2.
Level 1 charging involves low-voltage connections, requiring only 120V. This means that, in many cases, your car can simply be plugged into a wall socket or only needs a small adapter. So, the upshot of L1 charging is that you probably don’t need any additional hardware installed.
The downside, and it’s a big one, is that L1 charging is extremely slow. Expect it to take all night, or even longer, to fully charge your EV battery if it’s drained. This may not be an issue for people who only drive short distances, but it could be very inconvenient for everyone else.
Also be aware that L1 outlets can overheat, causing damage to the outlet, plug and other property. If your outlet overheats, unplug the vehicle, turn off the breaker and contact an electrician immediately.
Level 2 charging is the other option for homeowners, which involves tapping into the full 240V provided by your home’s electrical system. However, this will require installing a custom charging port in your garage. You absolutely need an experienced EV charger installation electrician to handle that work. Expect the L2 charger and installation to add several hundred dollars to the overall cost of your newly purchased EV.
However, the good news is that L2 charging is much faster than L1, potentially charging your car in 4-5 hours. Also, chargers are becoming standardized. After paying for the charger and installation, it should be appropriate for any future EVs you buy. L2 charging outlets also add value to your property’s resale value.
If you’re wondering whether there’s Level 3 charging, there is. However, it requires a commercial-grade 480+ volt DC connection, which most homes don’t support. L3 chargers are what you’ll find at businesses offering fast-charging stations – and they can charge a car in just an hour or two.
RD Matthews Electrical Contracting Makes EV Charger Installation Easy!
We were early on the EV bandwagon, offering charger installation services before many other electricians in the area. We are also an approved installer for Honda/Hyundai in our area. That means we have the experience edge, and access to the best charging stations. If you need a Level 2 charger to use with your EV, we can install it quickly and affordably.
Contact us to schedule a service appointment with our EV charger installation electricians.